The reclamation of the Noordoostpolder began with the construction of a dyke surrounding the intended new land. At the site where the Dyke Closure Hole Monument near Nagele now stands, the dyke of the Noordoostpolder was closed on 13 December 1940. The final gap in the dyke surrounding the Noordoostpolder was sealed here, hence the term dyke closure hole. This memorable achievement is symbolised by a boulder clay grabber, also known as a grab bucket, placed atop the dyke.
A cornerstone is also located near the monument, featuring a poem…
The reclamation of the Noordoostpolder began with the construction of a dyke surrounding the intended new land. At the site where the Dyke Closure Hole Monument near Nagele now stands, the dyke of the Noordoostpolder was closed on 13 December 1940. The final gap in the dyke surrounding the Noordoostpolder was sealed here, hence the term dyke closure hole. This memorable achievement is symbolised by a boulder clay grabber, also known as a grab bucket, placed atop the dyke.
A cornerstone is also located near the monument, featuring a poem by Remco Campert. The monument further includes a model situated at the foot of the dyke, depicting the contours of the Noordoostpolder as it was being created. This map of the dyke surrounding the Noordoostpolder highlights not only the dyke closure hole near Nagele, which connected Urk with Vollenhove, but also the dyke closure hole near Espel, sealed a year and two months earlier, which connected Lemmer with Urk.
The Dyke Closure Hole Monument at Nagele is easily accessible on foot from the car park at Schokkerstrand. Simply follow the wide path along the Zuidermeerdyke beside the Ketelmeer to reach the monument.
